IFPD and Zoll Medical equipment

At special Saturday meeting, the Idyllwild Fire Protection District commission decided to explore options for financing the purchase of the Zoll Medical equipment originally ordered in September 2008.

Commission President Jeannine Charles-Stigall told the board that Zoll was adamant that a legitimate purchase order and transaction had occurred. Despite returning the equipment, IFPD must still complete the transaction with payment.

However, Zoll is willing to upgrade the software (a $10,000 value), replace all batteries, offer the standard four-year warranty from now, apply no storage fees for the equipment shipped back to Zoll or late penaties and a give $2,500 discount if the District provides payment by March 5, according to Stigall.

In general, the board was satisfied with the Zoll’s offer; however, Commissioner and Treasurer Ben Killingsworth expressed concern about the form of payment. He is reluctant to use all of the District’s contingency funds for this one action because of several other pending budget demands such as new radio equipment, audit bills, additional equipment for the station and personnel actions such as completion of the Fire Chief Steve Kunkle’s retirement.

Commissioner Dr. Charles “Chip” Schelly, a chiropractor, shared his view that there are companies who specialize in purchasing and leasing medical equipment. This is one option the commission will explore.

Once the Zoll equipment is purchased, including new defibrillators, staff will need training. Also, IFPD must still obtain approval from the Riverside County emergency Medical Services Agency to use the Autopluse equipment. This is a strap placed around the thorax. It automatic performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

The commission second item of business involved a closed session about Kunkle’s retirement costs. Before determining the amount of annual and sick leave owed to the chief, the commission says it needs to ascertain whether his time of service is just time at IFPD or his entire fire career.

Also it was noted that the estimate cost presented at the Feb. 17 special meeting, seemed to overstate his annual leave benefit. The contract or memorandum of understanding between IFPD and Kunkle appears to limit the accumulation of annual leave to 288 hours (one year’s total). The initial estimate of payout was fro 372 hours.